Varhelyi: Serbia Needs to Step up Its Efforts in Aligning with EU Positions in Foreign Policy

Oliver Varhelyi (Beta/European Commission/Dati Bendo)

According to EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi Serbia, in the current geopolitical setting, needs to increase its efforts in aligning itself with EU foreign policy, including declarations and sanctions, in line with the negotiating framework. In addition to that, there needs to be progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. 

In an interview for the Daily European Service, BETA’s new service, Varhelyi has said that Brusses expects the formation of a new Serbian government following the elections, “to continue and deepen reforms in key areas of the judiciary, fight against corruption and organized crime, media freedom, freedom of assembly and the domestic handling of war crimes.”

“It is important to underline that Serbia’s progress on the rule of law is essential and will continue to determine the overall pace of the accession negotiations,” the commissioner pointed out.

According to Varheliy, the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina through a dialogue facilitated by the EU is the key to peace and stability of the entire region, especially now. There is an opportunity to make real progress in this area at the moment, he believes.

When asked just how much Serbia’s EU future is hindered by its weak alignment with the EU in terms of foreign policy, particularly in regard to sanctions against Russia, Varheliy replied that the country “is in a very specific position.” Brussels understands the complexity of the matter, he added, but “the present geopolitical situation requires more specific answers from our partners.”

When it applied for EU membership, Serbia made a strategic choice which required aligning its foreign policy with the EU, Varhelyi further explained. “The EU counts on Serbia as a sincere partner standing up in favor of our shared values, security, and prosperity. And we regard Serbia to be our ally,” he concluded.